UPDATE: 10:25, Wednesday
Norran contacted lead investigator Patrik Åström on Tuesday to clarify the circumstances of the man's death.
In a text message, Åström stated:
– The fact that the man drowned doesn't necessarily indicate it was the primary cause of death. The autopsy hasn't determined a cause of death yet. Like the previous cases, the workplace is a common factor. We are awaiting further analysis.
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UPDATE: 16:25 Tuesday
Two new cases have been added to the ongoing police investigation into Northvolt. One employee died during their time off, while another suffered a serious illness at work.
– We have found no evidence linking the deaths, said Patrik Åström, head of the preliminary investigation.
Northvolt claims the most recent death was a drowning accident.
These incidents join three previous cases involving Northvolt employees who died after work shifts. According to Åström, the latest death occurred outside of working hours, and the cause remains unclear.
Preliminary autopsy results have been inconclusive, and police await final findings to determine if there's a non-workplace related cause.
– We still don't understand why this person died. As with previous cases, we're investigating potential workplace connections, Åström explained.
Northvolt's communications manager, Matti Kataja, stated in an email that the company was informed by police of the likely drowning accident. "To avoid speculation and unnecessary concern, clarity from the police would be beneficial. This information has understandably caused worry and rumors. We support the ongoing police investigation and are cooperating fully," Kataja wrote.
Three other Northvolt employees have died under mysterious circumstances in recent months.
A 33-year-old cleaner was discovered dead in his bed in January following an evening shift at the factory. In February, a 19-year-old worker was found dead in similar circumstances. And in June, a 59-year-old employee was found deceased on his balcony.
While the deaths share the commonality of occurring after the men had been at work, police have found no evidence linking the fatalities to their employment at Northvolt. The cause of death in all three cases remains unexplained.